Lanvin childrenswear Piggy banks at the ready: Alber Elbaz has unveiled his first childrenswear range for Lanvin and it's every bit as adorable as you might expect. The capsule collection consists of 25 'precious' pieces, created for young girls from ages four to 10, and it's the stuff of fairytales.
Of course we'd expect nothing less from Elbaz, who has carved out a reputation on the catwalk as the king of fantasy, but this debut collection for "mini fashionistas" will bring a tear to the eye of any adoring mother who is lucky enough to spy their precious princess in it.
But if you've got ideas about buying one of these dresses for jelly and ice-cream down at the local soft-play, think again. These little frocks come in a range of exquisite and luxurious materials, such as washed organza embroidered with crystals, satin ribbon and grosgrain, draped or pleated tulle. In other words: dry clean only.
But fashion was never about practicality. While I still dream of owning my first piece of Lanvin aged 36, I am not blind to the fact that there are army's of girls half my age regularly blowing their allowance of Elbaz creations, ergo there is sure to be just as hungry a market waiting for 'Lanvin Petite'.
To accompany the dresses, fairy godfather Elbaz has even conjured up teeny Lanvin ballerinas in a patent, satin-finished material, crowned with a little pompom made out of tulle. Sigh.
The collection will hit Lanvin boutiques large enough to showcase it, and other Lanvin stockists worldwide in November. But if you can't quite stretch to a party dress, you could always make do with the ultimate accessory: one of four exclusive rag dolls dressed in the collection, part of the proceeds of which will go to the charity Designing Hope.
See, guilt-free shopping!